The Most Emotional Disney Movie, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the movie you think is the most emotional!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:26

Think about the last time a movie moved you to tears, made you laugh heartily, or reflect deeply on life's upswings and downturns. Emotional Disney movies have a unique way of touching hearts and sparking conversations among friends and families. By ranking these films, you help highlight the ones that resonate most profoundly with audiences, showcasing the emotional impact these stories can have. Voting for your preferred emotional Disney films allows you to share your personal experiences and connect with others who felt the same powerful emotions. As votes accumulate, a live ranking emerges, offering a dynamic insight into which movies struck the strongest chords. This not only fosters a community of like-minded film lovers but also guides new viewers towards unforgettable cinematic experiences.

What Is the Most Emotional Disney Movie?

1

79
votes
The Lion King (1994)

This movie is a classic tale of loss, redemption, and growing up. The death of Mufasa and the struggles of Simba to come to terms with his responsibility as king make this one of the most emotional Disney films.
The Lion King (1994) is a beautiful animated film that tells the story of Simba, a young lion prince who must navigate the challenges of becoming king and reclaiming his rightful place in the Pride Lands. With a captivating storyline and stunning animation, this film has become a classic in the world of animation.

Release Date: June 15, 1994

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family

Runtime: 88 minutes

Animation Style: Hand-drawn animation with computer-generated imagery (CGI) elements

Music: Composed by Hans Zimmer, with songs by Elton John and Tim Rice
The Lion King (1994) in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most successful animated movie of all time
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful animated film
- Position 5 of 10 in Most successful piece of entertainment
- Position 10 of 10 in Most emotional movie
2

16
votes
Bambi (1942)

The story of Bambi and his mother is one of the most iconic and emotional moments in Disney history. The film deals with themes of loss, grief, and growing up, making it a timeless classic.
Bambi is a classic Disney animated film released in 1942. It tells the story of a young deer named Bambi who navigates the challenges of the forest, learns about life and death, and eventually becomes the Great Prince of the Forest. The movie explores themes of love, friendship, loss, and the circle of life, creating a highly emotional and heartfelt experience for viewers.

Release Date: August 13, 1942

Director: David Hand

Music: Frank Churchill, Edward H. Plumb

Production Company: Walt Disney Productions

Running Time: 70 minutes
3

24
votes
Up (2009)

The opening sequence of Up is one of the most heartbreaking moments in any Disney movie. The love story of Carl and Ellie is beautifully told and sets the stage for a heartwarming adventure.
Up is a heartwarming and visually stunning animated film that was released in 2009. It follows the story of Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman who embarks on an adventure to fulfill his late wife's dream of exploring Paradise Falls in South America. Along the way, he meets a young wilderness explorer named Russell and encounters various challenges and unexpected friendships. Up showcases themes of love, loss, and the power of dreams. The film combines humor, emotion, and breathtaking animation to create an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Year of Release: 2009

Director: Pete Docter

Production Company: Pixar Animation Studios

Running Time: 96 minutes

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
4

23
votes
Toy Story 3 (2010)

Directed by Lee Unkrich

The final chapter in the Toy Story trilogy deals with themes of separation and growing up. The scene where Andy gives away his toys to Bonnie is one of the most emotional moments in Pixar history.
Toy Story 3 is a 2010 animated film by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. It is the third installment in the Toy Story franchise and follows the adventures of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their toy friends. The story revolves around Andy, the toys' owner, who is getting ready to go to college and must decide the fate of his beloved toys. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and growing up, and is known for its heartwarming and emotional storytelling.

Release Date: June 18, 2010

Running Time: 103 minutes

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Rating: G

Box Office: $1.067 billion
Toy Story 3 (2010) in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most emotional Pixar movie
- Position 5 of 10 in Most successful animated movie of all time
5

25
votes
The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Walt Disney Productions

The story of two unlikely friends, a fox and a hound, is a heartbreaking tale of the consequences of societal norms. The film deals with themes of loyalty, friendship, and loss.
The Fox and the Hound (1981) is a heartwarming animated film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It tells the story of two unlikely friends, a fox named Tod and a hound dog named Copper, who form a strong bond as youngsters despite their natural instincts as predator and prey. As they grow up, they are faced with the challenges of maintaining their friendship in a world that tries to keep them apart.

Release Date: July 10, 1981

Directors: Ted Berman, Richard Rich, Art Stevens

Genre: Animated, Adventure, Drama

Running Time: 83 minutes

Rating: G
6

3
votes
Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The story of Belle and the Beast is a classic tale of love and redemption. The film deals with themes of inner beauty, self-worth, and acceptance.
Beauty and the Beast (1991) is an animated film that tells the enchanting story of a young woman named Belle who is taken prisoner by a Beast in his castle. Despite her initial fears, Belle befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look past the Beast's exterior to recognize the kind heart and soul within. As the Beast's selfishness and arrogance begin to dissolve, a beautiful love story unfolds between Belle and the transformed prince.

Release Year: 1991

Running Time: 84 minutes

Animation Technique: Hand-drawn

Music By: Alan Menken

Lyrics By: Howard Ashman
Beauty and the Beast (1991) in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful animated film
7

14
votes
Dumbo (1941)

The story of Dumbo and his mother is a heartwarming tale of perseverance and strength. The film deals with themes of bullying, isolation, and self-discovery.
Dumbo is a heartwarming and emotional Disney movie released in 1941. It tells the story of a young elephant named Dumbo who is born with oversized ears and ridiculed by others, leading to him being separated from his mother. However, with the help of a mouse named Timothy, Dumbo discovers that his big ears give him the ability to fly, which eventually leads to his acceptance and success in the circus world.

Release Date: October 23, 1941

Director: Ben Sharpsteen

Writer: Helen Aberson

Animation Studio: Walt Disney Productions

Running Time: 64 minutes
8

3
votes
Cinderella (1950)

The story of Cinderella is a classic tale of perseverance and hope. The film deals with themes of kindness, forgiveness, and the power of dreams.
Cinderella (1950) is a beloved Disney movie that tells the heartwarming story of a kind-hearted young girl who overcomes adversity to find her happily ever after. After being mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella's dreams come true when she receives help from her fairy godmother and attends the royal ball. With the help of her magical glass slippers, Cinderella captures the heart of Prince Charming, leading to a fairy tale ending.

Release Date: February 15, 1950 (US)

Running Time: 74 minutes

Production Studio: Walt Disney Productions

Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson

Music: Music by Oliver Wallace, Songs by Mack David, Jerry Livingston, Al Hoffman
9

7
votes
The Little Mermaid (1989)

Walt Disney Animation Studios

The story of Ariel and her quest for love is a classic tale of sacrifice and redemption. The film deals with themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love.
The Little Mermaid (1989) is a beloved animated film that follows the enchanting story of Ariel, a young mermaid princess who dreams of exploring the human world. Created by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the film brought the classic fairy tale to life with its captivating animation and memorable musical numbers. Alongside its timeless storyline, the movie incorporated cutting-edge animation techniques and introduced memorable characters, making it a true masterpiece of animation.

Release Year: 1989

Genre: Animated Musical

Director: Ron Clements and John Musker

Running Time: 83 minutes

Rating: G
The Little Mermaid (1989) in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful animated film
10

6
votes
Coco (2017)

The story of Miguel and his love for music is a heartwarming tale of family, tradition, and identity. The film deals with themes of loss, grief, and the power of remembrance.
Coco (2017) is an animated musical fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film tells the story of Miguel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician, but faces a family ban on music. On the Day of the Dead, Miguel's journey takes him to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his ancestors to unravel the truth about his family history and fulfill his musical aspirations.

Release Date: November 22, 2017

Genre: Animation, Musical, Fantasy

Duration: 105 minutes

Rating: PG

Box Office: $807 million

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Discussion

Ranking factors for emotional movie

Storyline and plot

The storyline should be engaging, contain relatable characters, and evoke a range of emotions in the audience. A strong plot should be able to stimulate emotional responses like happiness, sadness, fear, and hope.
Themes and message

The themes and message portrayed in the movie should be touching, thought-provoking, and meaningful. It should explore the depth of human emotions and experiences and leave the audience contemplating long after the end credits.
Character development and connections

Strong and dynamic characters that the audience can connect with are essential. The audience should be able to empathize with the characters and their struggles, making their emotions more tangible and impactful.
Emotional moments

The movie should have key emotional scenes that tug at the heartstrings of the audience. These scenes may include a heart-wrenching loss, moments of self-discovery, or pivotal turning points in the story that invoke strong emotional reactions.
Music and soundtrack

Music has a powerful impact on our emotions, and a memorable, moving soundtrack can play an essential role in making a Disney movie more emotional. The songs and score should enhance the emotional impact of key scenes and evoke feelings that resonate with the audience.
Animation and visual style

The art and animation style can contribute to the overall emotional impact of a Disney movie. Beautiful visuals and emotional character expressions can help to highlight and amplify the emotions portrayed in the story.
Cultural impact

The extent to which the movie resonates with a wide range of audiences can influence its emotional standing. The more universally relatable its themes and characters are, the more likely it is to evoke strong emotions.
Nostalgia factor

For many people, Disney movies hold a special place in their hearts due to childhood memories. The nostalgia factor can augment the emotional impact of certain movies, contributing to their overall ranking.
Critical reception and awards

The perception of a movie's emotional impact can be influenced by critical reception and accolades. Movies that have received critical acclaim or awards for their storytelling and emotional depth may be considered to be more emotional.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most emotional Disney movie. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1923 views
195 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Film once every 24 hours. The rank of each Film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most emotional disney movie

Disney movies have a special place in the hearts of millions of people around the world. From their iconic characters to their captivating storylines, these movies have touched the lives of both children and adults alike. One of the things that make Disney movies so special is the emotional depth that they often possess. Many of these films have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and laughter to sadness and tears. In this article, we explore the most emotional Disney movies of all time, taking a closer look at the moments that made us laugh, cry, and everything in between.